The 38-year-old Arnott spent last season with the St. Louis Blues, totaling 17 goals and 17 assists in 72 games. In 1,244 career regular-season games, Arnott has 417 goals and 938 points.

It was expected that Arnott would provide the Rangers some depth down the middle; now they'll have to come up with a new plan.

The Rangers have already recalled two players from their AHL affiliate and attempted to use defenseman Stu Bickel on the fourth line in an effort to find something that works on their bottom two lines. While trading for Rick Nash was a great move, the deal weakened New York's third and fourth lines—Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, sent to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the trade, are valuable players.

Also gone from last season's team are wingers Brandon Prust (Montreal Canadiens) and Ruslan Fedotenko (Philadelphia Flyers).

Holdovers and intended replacements have struggled for a variety of reasons: Winger Carl Hagelin is in a goal-scoring slump that stretches back to last season; center Brian Boyle has yet to record a point; winger Arron Asham has missed time with a groin injury, and winger Chris Kreider is both adjusting to the NHL and dealing with a sprained ankle.